Construction to begin on new Archives building

In early 2022 construction will begin on the new Archives building, a building of national significance. The new building will provide a fit-for-purpose archives repository, including digitisation and conservation facilities for Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga Archives New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa National Library of New Zealand and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision.

“This is a major milestone and a significant achievement for the Tāhuhu Programme and tīma. A huge thank you to all involved in getting us to this stage”, says Rob Stevens, Tāhuhu Programme Director. “I am especially proud that through the co-design process we have given voice to and considered manaakitanga, mana whenua and the role of Māori.”

An official ceremony to celebrate breaking ground and commencing construction will take place on Tuesday 1 February 2022. This event has been gifted the name Te Tai Awatea. The name ‘Te Tai Awatea’ speaks of new beginnings and re-connections for mana whenua whānau to Pipitea and developing work with the Department towards a shared service for the people of Aotearoa. It will be attended by Minister Tinetti, and mana whenua Taranaki Whānui Te Ati Awa along with key staff and stakeholders from the sector. All staff will be invited to attend virtually.

In the meantime, you may see some activity as the main contractor, LT McGuinness, sets up the site. The site was blessed by kaumatua earlier this year in a small ceremony to ensure the safety of the workers during site investigations.

The building is very complex and as a result has a long construction programme. It is expected that the building will be finished by 2026, but the public opening date is yet to be confirmed.

Starting early next year you will receive information through various channels to keep you informed and there will be opportunities for staff to ask questions. Watch the Tāhuhu Thursday recording for a glimpse inside this significant new Archives building.